ST. CLOUD — Rep. Jim Knoblach announced Friday he is withdrawing from the campaign for another term representing state House District 14B, which covers part of St. Cloud.

Knoblach cited issues concerning his daughter in a note posted on his website.

“Our daughter has been estranged from our family for some time. In late 2016 she made some extremely hurtful and untrue accusations on a Facebook post, which was briefly put up and then taken down. These accusations were fully investigated by Sherburne County, dismissed, and the case closed in April 2017."

Knoblach wrote that he will serve out the rest of his term, through Dec. 31.

The announcement comes on the first day of absentee voting in Minnesota. Knoblach was scheduled to appear at a League of Women Voters forum Oct. 1 with his DFL challenger Dan Wolgamott.

Knoblach's name will still appear on the ballot. He would have had to withdraw within two days of the election filing period this spring, by June 7, for his name not to be on the ballot, said Dave Walz, Stearns County Election Director.

He can also still be elected, but can decline the seat.

"He's in unless he declines to accept, which he hasn't said he would do," Walz said. Knoblach can decline the seat after the election canvassing board accepts the results.

If he does so, the governor can call a special election to fill the seat.

Wolgamott released a statement regarding the news Saturday morning:

“What Laura Knoblach shared is very serious and troubling. Women who come forward in these difficult situations should be heard and respected. My campaign will continue to focus on the issues facing our community and I will keep working hard to earn the support of the people in St. Cloud.”

Knoblach said he wants to protect family from 'extreme stress and scrutiny'

Knoblach wrote that his family, including his wife, son, parents and others were "standing with" him in the face of the accusations.

He wrote he learned last week Minnesota Public Radio had contacted his daughter seven months ago and was preparing a story on her allegations.

"I love my children more than anything, and would never do anything to hurt them. Her allegations are false. I and other family members have made repeated attempts to reconcile with her in recent years, but she has refused."

Knoblach wrote that he could fight for the remaining six weeks until the election, but he didn't want to subject his family to "extreme stress and scrutiny."

"I’m also not willing to spend six weeks fighting with my daughter in the media. As a result, I feel I have no choice but to effectively end my campaign today so that I can work towards healing my family."

Knoblach has served eight times as state representative and is currently chair of the Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee. He announced in May he would seek another term. Wolgamott ran for state Senate in 2016 and lost by a margin so thin it spurred a recount.

Knoblach served six terms in the state House from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, before an eight-year hiatus. He ran and won again in 2014 and 2016.

Knoblach has deep ties to the area. He was born and raised in Central Minnesota and earned his bachelor's degree from St. John's University.

Knoblach wrote about his time in the legislature:

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to represent my hometown in the Legislature. I want to thank my many supporters for their years of support. I have done the best I can to represent my district in Saint Paul, and will continue to contribute in other ways.

"I will now complete the term voters elected me to serve and help constituents who contact me every day. As indescribably hurtful as these circumstances are, my wife and I love our daughter, and we look forward to the day when we can somehow again be a happy family.”